Update: In Ithaca, “Sisterhood” is Pronounced “No Muffin Tops”
So this is how the Burn Book scene in Mean Girls happens! After this week’s post on Cornell’s strict guidelines for its aspiring sorority princesses, an anonymous tipster exclusively sent IvyGate six pages of fashion guidelines for aspiring rushes, from Cornell sorority Pi Phi’s rush chair. (By way of context, Pi Phi’s 2008-09 Executive Board is pictured at right.) It’s a document containing multitudes: sometimes it’s really encouraging!
“Blazers: Yes, please! I love a casual top with a cool boyfriend blazer over it.”
This encouragement to wear your best boyfriend blazer represents the promise of Pi Phi, whose mission statement indicates its goal:
“to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service.”
Most times, though, it is less than that! We applaud Cornell for making every one of our sorority stereotypes come so vividly to life (Pi Phi’s Cornell chapter President didn’t respond to our request for an interview last night, so we’re operating on a stereotypical basis and feeling good about it), and to the commenter who said, on our previous post:
“Sadly, there’s something especially fake and pathetic about many of the girls on East Hill these days. Fortunately, these are the same girls who really seek an MRS more than an MBA or MD.”
This is laying it on a little thick, naturally — especially given that these girls are trying to look good for one another, not for men. But judge for yourself! After the jump, we’ll begin our four-part serialization of the Pi Phi fashion guide, with one part of the beauty equation: clothing for the initial rounds of rush. And remember:
“If you’re wearing cheapo shoes, make sure they don’t look it.”
Viva la Pi Phi Plastics! Read on after the jump for more from the fashion KGB.
CLOTHING.
Round I & II: “Casual chic”
Bottoms:
Yes:
- Medium-to-dark or black skinny or straight jeans
- Dark skinny or straight cords
- “Denim-legging” is appropriate as long as it’s done right: aka, not from American Apparel and worn with chic, cool chunky boots over them and a longer top. NO camel toe.
No:
- Super “Flared leg” pants
- Cropped pants. Ugh.
- Bleached/very light or TORN jeans I don’t care if they’re in style.
- Khakis
- Leggings worn as pants
- Muffin tops or extreme low rise!!
Tops:
Yes:
- Blouses: flowy, pretty material.
- Sweaters or other long-sleeved shirts, V or Crew.
- Cardigans (with longer tank top under preferably)
- Blazers: Yes, please! I love a casual top with a cool boyfriend blazer over it
No:
- Summer pattern/colors, too tight or too short shirts or blouses!
- Low-cut
- Sleeveless
- Tank tops
- Frumpy
- Preferably no short sleeves– recommended: full coverage aka elbow length, 3/4 length, long, thin layers.
Shoes:
Yes:
- Nice flats: Tory Burch, etc. More evening-ish, understated. Patent leather good.
- Heels: mid-height. This round is still “casual”, so no sky-high hooker heels! I’m thinking mid-height Mary Jane heels, or mid-height chunky kate spade, etc.
- Boots: love. Chunky or simple/elegant, heel on the lower side to flat. Worn OVER pants.
No:
- Open-toed!
- WHITE
- Strappy
- High-heeled/going out boots.
- If you’re wearing cheapo shoes, make sure they don’t look it.
Coming tomorrow: What to wear on “Skit & Philanthropy” and “Preference” Nights… if you still want to be a Pi Phi. And who wouldn’t, really?
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